Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.
Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.
Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”
Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”
Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.
“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.
“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Odolaye Aremu Oke-Odo Jumoke Monsura Gafar Khairat Gwadabe Overland School Of Nursing NYSC Muhammad Toyin Sanusi Universal Basic Education Commission Paul Olawoore Segun Olawoyin Sulu Babaita Isiaka Iyaloja-General IF-K Ajikobi VADA Rice Farmers Association Of Nigeria Joana Nnazua Kolo Lai Mohammed Omoniyi M. Ayinla Alloy Chukwuemeka Abdulrazaq Solihudeen Ileloke SSUCOEN Towoju Baba-Isale Falokun-Oja Abdulbaqi Jimoh National Union Of Road Transport Workers Kamaldeen Gambari Neo Mundo Ltd John Olobayo Muritala Awodun Magaji Erubu Mary Arinde Kwara 2023 Bisi Oyeleke Hussein Olokooba Habeeb Saidu Amusement Park Forgo Battery Company Limited Babatunde Ishola Babaita Ladi Hassan Omu Aran Abdulmajeed Abdullahi Wasiu Odewale Okeose Christian Cementary Onilu Elewu Olaiya Victor Mobolaji Ahmad Fatima Bisola Abubakar Abdullahi Bata Henry Makinwa Oyun Laolu Saraki Olatunde Oyeyiola Abdulkadir Jimoh JUSUN Kwara KWIRS ARMTI Minister Abubakar Imam Kaosarah Adeyi Playing Host Nigerian Medical Association Ita-Nmo Market Ibrahim Abdulkadir Abikan IFK Taofeek Ibraheem Hydro-electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission V.O. Abioye Abdulazeez Arowona Adedipe Umar Yakubu Jaja Idris Amosa Oladipo Saidu Abdulkadir Remi Hawawu

